The US state of Washington has proposed a new bill that plans to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and increase the cigarette tax by $2 per pack from January 2026. The new tax will be used to prevent youth smoking and vape use.
Key points:
1. Washington State proposed a bill to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and has been submitted to the state legislature for discussion.
2. The ban is scheduled to take effect in July 2027. With the cigarette tax increasing by $2 per pack from January 2026. With part of the revenue used to prevent youth smoking.
3. 63% of Washington voters support the bill, which is expected to be considered in April.
U.S. state of Washington proposes ban on flavored tobacco sales
Mynorthwest reported on April 2 that Washington State ushered in a new legislation banning the sale of flavored tobacco products. The bill was introduced by Democratic lawmakers and has been submitted to the state House and Senate for discussion.
The new law was inspired by studies that showed a clear preference for flavored tobacco among middle and high school students. As a result, the Washington State legislature is once again proposing a ban on flavored tobacco. The new bill not only draws on previous attempts to ban flavored tobacco products but also combines an increase in cigarette taxes.
Expected to be considered in the House of Representatives in April
Once passed, the ban would go into effect on July 1, 2027, while the cigarette tax would increase by $2 per pack beginning on January 1, 2026. The first $5 million in revenue from the new cigarette tax will go toward preventing youth smoking and vape use, with the rest going into the state’s general fund. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Washington currently has the eighth-highest cigarette tax among the 50 states.
According to an FM3 poll conducted in late November. 63% of 910 Washington voters supported banning the sale of flavored tobacco. 33% opposed it and 4 percent were undecided.
There are now six states with varying degrees of restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco.
The bill is expected to be considered by the House Finance Committee in April.
